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Et al
An abbreviation of et alii, meaning "and others," ordinarily used in lieu of listing all names of persons involved in a proceeding.
Reporting statutes
An order by a court directing the transfer of a case to another court. For example, when a case is proper for jurisdiction in federal court, the federal court may remove the case from the state court in which it was originally filed.
Garnishment
A court order to take part of a person's wages, before he gets them, and apply the amount taken to pay a debt owed to a creditor
Concurrent sentence
Sentence under which two or more prison or jail terms are served simultaneously, and the prisoner is entitled to discharge when the longest term specified expires (i.e., sentences of 1 to 15 years and 0 to 5 years means a maximum sentence of 15 years). Differs from a consecutive sentence, which is when the sentences are served back-to-back. (A 1 to 15 and 0 to 5 consecutive sentence could mean up to 20 years).
Instruction
A direction given by the judge to the jury concerning the law to be applied in the case.
Affidavit
written and sworn statement witnessed by a notary public or another official possessing the authority to administer oaths. Affidavits may be admitted into evidence.
Beyond a reasonable doubt
Entirely convinced; in a criminal case the defendant's guilt must be proven to the jury to this extent. This is the highest burden of proof any party has in any proceeding
Bailiff
A court officer whose duties are to keep order in the courtroom and to have custody of the jury.
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